“Give Small Business a Lift” Winners Announced
The WRTA Give Small Business A Lift Campaign is back with its second annual edition and the goal of spotlighting and promoting local small businesses. Twelve local businesses were chosen to be part of the 2023 campaign.
CAMPAIGN CO-CHAIRPERSONS
This year, three notable business and community leaders joined the campaign and helped with the selection process and will be presenting awards at the kickoff event, Thursday, April 27 at Concept Studio in downtown Youngstown.
The 2023 Co-Chairpersons are —
• ANTHONY TREVENA, Executive Director of Western Reserve Port Authority
• TERESA MILLER, Executive Director of Valley Economic Development Partners
• DAVID WILAJ, Director, Mahoning Valley Logistics Council
2023 FEATURED SMALL BUSINESSES
- Cal-Ohio Lube Products
- Heroes and Tiaras
- EndTime Grafix
- Pop! Art Books Culture
- J&J Complete Lawn Care
- YoGo Bikeshare
- Sunstone Garden LLC
- Sweet Grace Anna’s Fancy Cakes & Bakery
- A Fresh Wind Catering
- Aisle One Mobile Market
- Overall Paint Co.
- Unique Locs & Natural Hair Boutique, LLC
WRTA wants to give a special thanks to all of the businesses who applied this year and encourages you to sign up again next year. Thank you for supporting the Valley with your business!
Transit Driver Appreciation Day is March 18
Join WRTA in celebrating Transit Driver Appreciation Day on Saturday, March 18! Transit drivers make a great contribution to the community every day by ensuring passengers get to their destinations safely. WRTA drivers are dedicated to what they do and they deserve a heartfelt thanks!
Join us in celebrating our hard-working bus operators! Here are a few ways to express your gratitude:
- Write a kind, personal note and give it to your bus operator
- Say “Good morning” or “Good afternoon” when getting on the bus, and a “Thank you!” when getting off at your destination
- Post a photo of yourself at the bus stop or relaxing on the bus, using #TDAD and tag @WRTA
Please say “Thanks!” to your WRTA driver on March 18 and every day of the year!
WRTA Kicks Off Second Annual “Give Small Business a Lift” Campaign
WRTA is rolling out its second annual “Give Small Business A Lift” campaign. Last year, more than 80 local businesses applied to win the twelve coveted spots as featured businesses for the campaign. The 2023 campaign is expected to be bigger and more inclusive than ever.
“Give Small Business A Lift” is designed to promote local small businesses — spotlighting twelve local businesses that exemplify the Valley’s entrepreneurial spirit and work ethic.
“Small business is the backbone of our economy across the nation and especially here in the Valley. “ says Dean Harris, WRTA Executive Director. “WRTA is proud to provide transportation to the much of the workforce of these businesses and this campaign is our effort to give them the recognition and support they deserve.”
HOW IT WORKS
Small businesses located in Mahoning County complete the short form below to nominate themselves. Nominations are accepted from March 13 through March 31.
A select group of three local community leaders who serve as co-chairpersons select the winners from the nominations. The twelve winners will be notified the first week in April. The featured businesses will be publicly announced and presented their awards at the kickoff event April 20 at Concept Studio in downtown Youngstown.
TWELVE WINNERS PROMOTED
The twelve featured businesses be promoted on WRTA buses, its giant digital sign downtown, on social media, tv spots, digital and ads donated by The Business Journal.
TWO BONUS AWARDS
During the kickoff event, two drawings will be held and one business will also receive a $3,000 TV advertising campaign donated by WKBN TV and one business will receive a $3,600 social media campaign donated by BOPsocial.com.
The three-month long promotion of the twelve featured businesses will begin April 30 to coincide with National Small Business Week and continue through July 30.
WRTA encourages all small businesses in the county to apply — even if you applied last year and did not win one of the twelve featured business spots.
Co-sponsors of the 2023 WRTA Give Small Business a Lift Campaign are The Business Journal, WKBN TV and BOPsocial.com.
Ready to Nominate Your Business?
Starting Monday, March 13 and ending Friday, March 31, you can nominate your business by filling out the form below. The businesses selected will be notified by email and announced on WRTA’s website and social media.
Following our request, WRTA has received many nominations for businesses who would like to be a part of this campaign. Watch for our forthcoming announcement of the small businesses that have been chosen.
Route Changes Coming March 12
WRTA has made improvements to a number of its Fixed Routes to better serve the community. These routes include:
- #11-Cornersburg
- #14-Mosier
- #15-Zedaker
- #24-Midlothian Crosstown
- #80-Lordstown
#81-Akron Express will be discontinued due to low ridership in 2022
The changes to these routes will take effect on March 12, 2023 and will be reflected in the Maps & Schedules section of the WRTA website and on the Mystop Mobile app.
The new route turn-by-turn information and maps can be found below —
#11-Cornersburg
OUTBOUND
Facing South in Federal Station
Right on Federal Plaza West
Left over Spring Common Bridge
Right on Mahoning
Left on Bella Vista
Right on Overlook
Left on Hazelwood
Right on McCollum
Left on Schenley
Left on Kirk
Right on Bears Den-Cont onto Hopkins
Left on Midlothian
Left on Arden
Left on Canfield Rd
Right on Meridian
Left on Kirk, Left at 2nd drive at Rulli’s parking lot pick up and drop off cont to next driveway
INBOUND
Right on Kirk
Right on Meridian
Left on Canfield
Left on Schenley
Left on Bears Den
Right on McCollum
Left on Hazelwood
Right on Overlook (135pm trip, turn right on Ridgelawn Ave instead to serve Chaney High)
Left on Bella Vista
Right on Mahoning- Left over Spring Common Bridge- Cont 5th Ave to Commerce
Right on Commerce- Right into Federal Station
#14-Mosier
OUTBOUND
Facing South in Federal Station
Right on Federal Plaza West
Right on Fifth Ave
Left on Rayen
Right on Federal St (422)
Right on Wirt
Left on Delaware
Cont. on Lafayette
Right on 422
Right on Burlington
Left on Robinwood-Left on Dupont-Right on Dearborn
Left on Beck St – Right on Temple (turns into Davis) – Right on Trumbull
Left on Belmont (Continue towards Liberty plaza)
Right on Delivery entrance (Alongside of Pizza Shop far west end of plaza)
Come around building
Right on Plaza drive heading towards exit by Arby’s
Right on Belmont
Left into Giant Eagle 2nd entrance go to stop sign (Drop off and pick up passengers)
INBOUND
Leave Giant Eagle
Left at stop sign- go to 1st entrance
Right on Belmont
Right on Trumbull
Left on Davis
Left on Beck St
Right on Dearborn
Left on Dupont-Right on Robinwood-Right on Burlington
Left on 422
Left on Superior
Left on Oakland
Right on Lafayette
Cont, on Delaware
Right on Wirt
Left on Federal St. (422)
Left on Rayen
Right on Fifth Ave
Left on Commerce Cont. to Federal Station
#15-Zedaker
OUTBOUND
Facing north in Federal Station
Right on Commerce St
Right on Walnut St
Left on Front St
Right on South Ave (6:10, 7:10, 16:101 17:10 outbound trips divert to Poland Ave)
Left on E. Dewey Ave Right on Hadnet Dr
***Right on Zedaker St Right on Poland Ave
Left on Midlothian Blvd Right on E Dewey Ave RESUME @ ***
Right on 5th St
Left on Elm St
Slight left to continue onto Elm St
Right on Terrace St
Right on Poland Ave
Continue on Poland Ave
Right on Hamilton Blvd
Right on 5th St
Right on Manor Ave
Left into Struthers Plaza
INBOUND
Exit Struthers Plaza
Left on Rita Dr
Left on 5th St
Left on Hamilton Blvd
Left on Poland Ave
Continue onto Poland Ave
Left of Terrace St
Left on Elm St
Right on 5th St
Left on Midlothian Blvd
Right on Zedaker St (6:35, 7:35, 16:35, 17:35 inbound trips divert to Poland Ave)
Left on Dewey Ave Left on Poland Ave
Right on South Ave Right on South Ave, resume at ***
***Left on Front St
Right on Walnut St
Left on Commerce St
Enter Federal Station
***SERVICE TO POLAND AVE ON SELECT TRIPS UPON APPROVAL
#24-Midlothian Crosstown
EASTBOUND
Starting at Hillman Way
Right on Midlothian Blvd
Right on Youngstown-Poland Rd
Right on US Hwy 224
Right on Tiffany Blvd
Left on Doral Dr
Serve Walmart
Cont on Doral
Left on South Ave
Right on Boardman Poland Rd (224)
Left on California Ave
Right at 4th entrance (by Tinseltown)
Cont to end of drive make a right
Stop at bus stop (By PNC Bank)
WESTBOUND
Leaving Southern Park Mall (By PNC Bank)
Continue to stop sign make a left
Right on Market
Right on Boardman Poland (224)
Left on Tiffany Blvd
Left on Doral Dr
Left on South Ave
Left on US HWY 224
Left on N Main St
Left on Youngstown-Poland Rd
Left on Midlothian Blvd
Left on Market St
Right on Hillman St
Right on Hillman Way
#80-Lordstown
OUTBOUND
Facing south in Federal Station
Right on Federal Plaza West
Left over Spring Common Bridge
Cont on Mahoning Ave
Left on Edwards St
Right on Marshall St
Left onto I-680 North
Follow I- 80 West
Cont on I-76 W
Take exit 57
Right on Bailey
Left into HomeGoods parking Lot (Wait for 76-Lordstown Express for transfers)
Turnaround back towards Bailey turn right
Cont Bailey Rd
Right Mahoning Ave
Left into Macys parking lot to turnaround
Right on Mahoning Ave
Right on Bailey Rd
To Pur Foods
INBOUND
Right.on Commissioner Dr
Left Debartolo Dr
Left Mahoning Ave
Right on Bailey Rd to
To 76E cont to 80 East
To 680 South
Exit Glenwood Ave to Edwards to Mahoning to Federal Station
WILL NO LONGER GO TO THINGS REMEMBERED (CLOSED)
WRTA Is Hiring: Drivers & Mechanics Wanted
The Western Reserve Transit Authority has openings for Bus Operators and Mechanics.
Bus Operator
Must be capable of safely operating a transit passenger bus or other vehicle on fixed routes, countywide, and ADA all-access service. Must possess valid CDL with passenger endorsement. Must be able to work all shifts and Saturday as scheduled. Government pension instead of Social Security and many other great benefits
Full-time and part-time positions available.
Mechanic
Will be responsible for diagnostics & repair of Diesel engines, ABS/air brakes, suspension, transmission, electronic control systems and air conditioning. Must possess valid CDL with passenger endorsement or will train. Minimum 2 years mechanical experience. Technical training as a diesel technician or ASE Certifications preferred. Able to work all shifts. Government pension instead of Social Security and many other great benefits.
Full-time positions available.
Submit Applications
To apply for one of these positions, please submit your resume to:
WRTA
Attn: HR
604 Mahoning Ave.
Youngstown, OH 44502
Or email to: dsoroka@wrtaonline.com
WRTA is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Valley Valentines Winners
Congratulations to the 12 winners in our Valley Valentines promotion. Their special messages are being displayed for the rest of this month on the video screen above Federal Station in downtown Youngstown.
Ohio Loves Transit, and we love our WRTA riders!
To see your Valley Valentine, just click on it below.
WRTA Holiday Lights Campaign Wins National Award
Western Reserve Transit Authority (WRTA) has been notified its annual Holiday Lights campaign won First Place in a nationwide public transit competition for community educational initiatives.
WRTA’s Holiday Lights campaign competed with entries from all over the U.S. in the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) annual marketing and communications awards competition. APTA members include more than 320 public transit agencies, including New York MTA, the nation’s largest transit system.
“The Holiday Lights campaign was created to bring awareness of local non-profits and what they do for the community. “ says Dean Harris, WRTA Executive Director. “We are blessed to have so many caring organizations and people in the Valley. We wanted to spotlight their good works.” More than 30 local non-profit organizations have been spotlighted since the program began.
Each fall, WRTA invites non-profits organizations to apply for participation Holiday Lights campaign, which honors those who “light up the Valley all year long.” A mix of non-profits, small and large, are nominated each year. Twelve non-profits are chosen and honored at a special event near Thanksgiving. The winning non-profits are spotlighted on WRTA buses, TV and social media by WRTA and its sponsors all through the holiday season.
“The award from APTA is very much appreciated,” said Harris “But one of the reasons we entered the competition was to hopefully inspire other transit systems to conduct similar campaigns in their service areas also.The first place win will help us do that.”
Share ‘Who You Love’ With WRTA’s Valley Valentines Campaign
UPDATE: We have had a very strong response to our Valley Valentines promotion! The 12 individuals have been chosen and will be notified via email, and their Valentines will appear on our Federal Station video display. Thanks to all who participated, and Happy Valentine’s Day to you and yours!
Ohio Loves Transit Week, a campaign of the Ohio Public Transit Association, is right before Valentine’s Day this year, so WRTA is celebrating by turning the tables and asking riders “Who do you love?”. You will be able to answer that question in a big way with a “Valley Valentine.”
A dozen lucky Valentines who fill out the form below, indicating to whom they want to send their love, will have a huge Valentine with their names created and shown on the giant video display that looms 35 feet above Federal Station in downtown Youngstown. In addition, the winning Valentines will be shared on WRTA’s website, social media and in a TV spot.
To be eligible to have your Valley Valentine shown on our Federal Station video display, fill out and submit the form below. 12 Valley Valentines will be chosen. Only one entry per person is permitted. Deadline to enter is Tuesday, February 7. Winners will be announced and contacted on Wednesday, February 8.
Be sure to indicate which one of the four designs you would like to use for your Valentine.
DESIGN A
DESIGN B
DESIGN C
DESIGN D
Submission Form
January Board Meeting Cancelled
January Board Meeting Cancelled
Please be advised that the January Board of Trustees Meeting set for Thursday, January 26 at 10:00 a.m. has been cancelled.
New Year’s Day Observance – January 2nd
New Year’s Day Observance
Please be advised that WRTA will be closed and there will be no bus service on Monday, January 2nd in celebration of the holiday.
We here at WRTA sincerely hope that you and your family will have a very happy and safe New Year!
Regular bus service will resume on Tuesday, January 3rd.
